July 21

Get ready to read about one of the best week's a sister missionary has ever had yo! 

Last Monday after emailing I got a call from President telling me I am a STL again. Woot! This time they did it a little differently. My STL comp is Sister Moser, my trainer!!!!!! She is serving in the 7th ward as of last Tuesday and so for exchanges our companions will be together in one of the areas and then we will exchange with the sisters. We cover 7 companionships of sisters in Grand Junction and Fruita. I am super pumped about it, mainly because I love Sister Moser and I get to be with her a little bit in her last six weeks of her mission! On Tuesday we had transfers. I am so excited for a fresh new six weeks to give it everything I've got! Sister Tew went to Denver for her last six weeks for the first time. She's get to go to the temple for the first time in almost 16 months! I am so excited for her. After transfers we ate with the Behrman's. They are the sweetest elderly couple who are just a little lonely. 

Kim

We saw Kim on Tuesday with Brother Harrison. All on her own she has cut back on coffee and cigarettes. She really wants to do it. We love her so much an want to do everything we can to help her so on Wednesday morning we got up at 5:40 and went walking with her and her dog to keep her mind off of smoking. She has had a really hard life. Her husband, Rocky, has met with missionaries before so she decided to invite him to see us again. Sadly he said no and we were pretty bummed. On Friday when we went for our lesson we took Brother Beynon, our wml, with us. As we pulled up, ROCKY WAS OUTSIDE!  He is never home, except for when the Lord wants him to meet with us. Because he and Brother Beynon started talking, Rocky joined us for the lesson. They bonded over hang-gliding and airplanes. Apparently Brother Beynon is a hang-glider. We had no idea, so that was a nice surprise for our day. Rocky and Sister Rodriguez have a special connection. He kept looking at her saying, "What you got, kid?" Intimidation to the max. But Sister Rod kept saying to the right things! He wants to work towards baptism. The only thing holding him back he said is that he would have to go to church every Sunday and he likes camping. We know as he learns about he gospel again and works toward his goal, he will recognize the blessings that come with church attendance! Kim wanted him to meet with us so badly that she didn't really say much (for fear of saying the wrong thing) but I know she is so grateful to have a partner to work towards her goals with. We are seeing them tonight with Brother and Sister Beynon!

Martha and Stephan

They are on date to be baptized on August 16th. They have a hard time keeping commitments. We first saw them Tuesday of this week. They are in their sixties and have a lot of health problems. Something our mission has been pushing is church tours so we can have more people at church on Sunday. Though we did not plan it, in the lesson we randomly committed them to a church tour on Friday. Though we were both feeling ill on Friday we pushed through it and had a successful church tour with them! My favorite part is always the chapel. The spirit is so strong there. I played a song for them on the piano. Sis Rod  said the spirit was incredibly strong. Sometimes it hard for me to feel it while I am focusing on playing. Though they didn't make it to church because of some health problems I know they will make it this week! 

MY FIRST REAL-LIFE BAPTISM

So in other news, Carley Nicole Kovacic got baptized!!!!!!! She turned 8 on July 18 and got baptized on the 19th. Though she is only 8 she is still a convert because she is the first member of her family to make these covenants! She was baptized with Brynn Wagner, a friend in the ward who's family has been there for a lot of lessons and for a lot of support. It was adorable! The Elders had a baptism right before at 10 so I played piano for that and then for Carley and Brynn's. All the little girls and Sis Rod sang "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus." It was the best! Actually I think the best part was that a lot of Carley's family came and none of them are members. And it motivated Erin, her mom, to be baptized even more! A huge miracle is that Erin found a job! So now they are more financially stable and can get married so she can be baptized. The baptism was perfect. We had so much ward support and the spirit manifested to all of us that the promises those 2 little girls made with God are real. Carley was confirmed in sacrament meeting the next day by Brother Wagner. Her blessing was beautiful. She is such a special daughter of God. She is a beacon to all those around her, especially in her family! I know our Heavenly Father was so overjoyed that she made those promises with him.

I'm trying to keep myself accountable for the goals I set. I wanted to be more charitable. I've really tried to understand and focus on the love that our Father in Heaven has for each one of us. Sometimes my heart is not very soft. As I have read "the 4th missionary" and the scriptures I have learned that, though I am obedient, my will has not fully been given to the Lord. By being grateful and focusing on the Atonement this week I have better understood the why of all that I am doing. I am so thankful for a Lord and Saviour who will always love me. Sometimes that is hard to remember and comprehend but I know that it is possible through Christ. My perspective of who I am and who I can become is changing. I know more that anything is possible through Christ. I am going to continue to work on the Christ-like attribute of charity because without it I am nothing. I love my mission so much and I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to keep changing  and progressing. We ate dinner this week with a family who's less-active son was there. He served a mission but it didn't change him. I've really been thinking about how I can let my mission change me. I don't want to waste any second of these 18 months not only helping others but allowing my experiences to help me progress so I can be a more effective instrument in the Lord's hands. 

This week we volunteered at the Palisade Living Center. We talk with old people who don't have very many visitors! One we saw is named Golda Humphreys. We discovered that she is a member of the church and served a mission in the southern states! She is 94 and can't move. When we asked her how she was doing she said, "I'm doing good. At least that's what I keep telling myself and soon it will happen!" Talk about a good attitude! 

On Sunday I had the best surprise! The Torrez family from my Denver ward called our church and Elder Merrill was inspired to answer it while we were walking through the hall! They were driving through GJ and wanted to stop and see me! Talk about the best people ever! It was so fun to see Siriah and Brother and Sister Torrez! And I got a picture with them! Woot! 

I love my mission and I love the gospel! Jesus Christ's love is real! 

Love,

Sista T

reunited with all of my best people! 

Cute Baptism girls 

theTorrez family!

July 14

Heyo Familia!!!

We found out Saturday night we are both staying here for another transfer! So this will officially be the longest time I have ever spent in one area: 6 months! 

Monday

We had a BBQ at the Beynon's house! We invited Erin, Carley, and Kenzie (our investigators) and they the Stewarts (a less-active couple). The Beynons are such a great family. They are so down to earth and are so  amazing at serving others. 

Tuesday

We weeded Bro Beynon's garden in appreciation. There is nothing I love more than hard work in the sun (although my family may beg to differ... I have changed!) Bro B's grandkids Emerson and Coleman were there. They are hilarious. At 2 we ate with the sweet Behrman's, who I think I told you about last week. They are homebound because Brother Behrman is so sick. Sis B has recently got a homecare person to come on Sundays so she can now come to church! Woot! She provided us the best lunch and she sent us home with a lot of food too. They are so lonely so we decided to go over once a day and sing them a song. And we get to each lunch with them every single Tuesday! Afterwards Sister Rod got her hair dyed by an investigator while we taught her a lesson. Unfortunately she hated it so we spent some time figuring out what we could do to help it out. We also got some ice cream. At 8 we had a lesson at the church with Brother and Sister Lewis and Jen, Genesis, and Risa. Jen, the mom, needs a softened heart. She has to answer all our questions. Her daughters are really prepared and I feel like they would be so accepting if she would only let them talk. The Lewis' were fabulous at answering all of Jen's rather antagonistic questions. 

Wednesday

We went to Collbran! Man I love that place! We saw the Schowalters and the biggest tender mercy, Brother Harrison randomly showed up too! He's one of our elderly ward missionaries. It was so great. A ward member got a gift certificate to a greasy little place in Collbran so that's where we ate dinner. YUM. We also stopped by Candy Hardin's. Her active family was in town from Washington. She is so sweet. It was so fun to share with and learn about all of them. I almost forgot that we saw Patty and Milt before we went to Collbran. She gave us the sweetest jewelry boxes that she painted. She is one of the best people I know. 

Thursday

I got my new passport! Woot! It's beautiful. But even better than that, we had the best district meeting in the world! We had a lehi's dream experience with blindfolds and yarn all throughout the church. At one point I was completely alone. There was nothing else to do but hold to the string and move forward. Sometimes I feel that is how life is. We ended in the chapel where we each sat and thought about what we wanted to change for next transfer. I have been obedient my entire mission. Lately I've been thinking about the why. What are my motivations? Are they pure? So something I want to change is to be more aware of why I am doing the things that I am doing. Afterwards we each bore our testimonies. They were all so different but all so perfect. We took some nice district pics. Later that night we taught Lori and Alexis. They are so prepared!!!!! We met Lori because we awkwardly stood there while she finished mowing her lawn and pretending we weren't there. She is going to read the Book of Mormon. Her granddaughter, Alexis is so sweet! She wants to read it too! Lastly we taught the Jankes, a part member family! And.....Sister Murdock came with us!!! She was in town for 18 lives! Our lesson was interesting...we had a hard time teaching anything but I still felt the spirit so that's good! They are just very easily distracted.

Friday

By far the best part of my week was "18 Lives and The Book of Mormon: Embracing the Power of Jesus Christ." It was held at the Two Rivers Convention Center in GJ. The Spirit was palpable as soon as we walked in the building. 700 youth were there from 5 different stakes across western CO. Our job was to take tickets. I loved seeing all the makeup, costumes, and excitement prior to the performance. The first one we went to was the dress rehearsal and it was almost flawless! I wish I could describe the way I felt. I had chills the entire time and was brought to tears multiple times. The story was about 18 different seminary students and their problems. Their seminary teacher then helped them see how the Book of Mormon helped them resolve these things. The Book of Mormon stories were acted out on stage and then videos showed the kids' problems in real life. One of the Book of Mormon scenes was when Christ came to the Americas. They had Robert Allen there to represent Jesus Christ. He portrays the Saviour in most LDS videos and pictures. I was reminded of my Moroni's Quest experiences. I am so grateful to be a part of the Lord's work. I want to do all I can to help Him. I know the book of Mormon is revelation from God. God prepared it and gave it to us for a reason. The last scene of the show they had all 700 youth dressed as missionaries with fake name tags. We, as the real full-time missionaries, got to stand in the aisles and sing with them. I just really wish you were all there. It was so powerful!

Later that night Sister Murdock came with us to another lesson at Erin's. Carley is getting baptized this Saturday! Erin is not getting baptized simply because she is not married. We talked to her about the importance and I feel like Sister Murdock's testimony made all the difference. Erin picked August 23 to be baptized!  I know she can do it! 

Saturday

18 Lives was just as good the second time! The day went by so quickly it was a little bit frightening. We got to take tickets at the front doors nearest the stage so we got to even peek backstage a little bit too. We hear that they are going to put it on DVD so maybe you can watch it then! After the show, we embraced our inner teenage girls and got pictures with as many members of the cast as we could. It was so neat to be the real missionaries that all those kids were looking up to. They would get so excited when they saw us. We even got to meet Robert Allen! I wish nothing more than that I was in 18 Lives. By the end of it, all the kids said they were just tired of crying. 

Sunday

What a great day! We found out one of the Merrills is leaving so we had a nice photoshoot that I will send! We had 4 investigators at church! Unfortunately the AC was broken. YIKES. We were privileged to go to Elijah's baptism that night. He is the son of the woman who is in charge of the entire 18 lives. It was so great! And he was so excited! 

So all in all we had a fabulous week. I am so thankful to be a part of this work and that I get to stay in the best area of the mission for another 6 weeks!

Love,

Sister T

Here isSister Murdock, Helaman and Robert Allen (Jesus).

All the sistas

our awkward band pictures hahaha. 

July 7

Happy Patriotic week! 

On Monday we had a lovely zone pday that we wore our canada shirts to. Heck ya! Represent! Canada Day was pretty uneventful but still a good day! 

July 4th was the most uneventful thing that has ever happened, other than all the fireworks at night. It was not what I expected. It seemed like no one was even outside. We visited a lot of old people. The sweetest Sister Behrman gave us an entire pan of cinnamon buns! God bless America!

One of the highlights of the week was randomly having to play the organ in church with no prior warning. All of the songs were patriotic. And we opened with the Star-spangled banner. I don't think I have ever played that in my life. Afterwards, the man who usually plays came up to me (he was late) and said how it made his day that a canadian had to play all those songs. 

We had a great sisters conference this week. All of my previous companions were there except for 2. President and Sister Murdock were also there! We learned a lot about planning. Afterwards, we ate at Subway with Sister Murdock and then she came to our lesson with Patty!!!! She is so bold and answered every single one of Patty's concerns. BOOM BABY. We are praying that Patty can get baptized on Saturday before her family reunion! Sister Murdock is amazing! 

This week we have the 18 Lives production to usher at. You should all check out the website, 18lives.org. It's going to be amazing! The lady in charge of the entire thing is in my ward! She has the best son who is 4 named Lincoln. I wish you all could meet him! We went to their house for dinner. He decided to randomly take a bath before dinner (we found out later because he had an accident). While we were eating, we hear him yell, "SISSSSSTTTEEERRRR MISSSSIIIOOONNNAARRRRIIEEEESSS!" as he comes running around the corner. His mom bolts up and says, "don't be naked, please don't be naked." He was and she quickly ushered him to his room while telling him he needs to get dressed. I wish you could hear the way he said it. It was so creepy and hilarious. Plus then he came out dressed in black velour pants and a navy blue turtle neck. It was 100 degrees outside. At church on Sunday, we said hi to him and the first thing he says to us was, "What are atoms made out of?" haha. He then told us that even "Adam's" are made out of atoms. 

We've been staying busy teaching and preaching, even in the heat. I don't know that I have ever experienced this kind of heat before. We go home incredibly sweaty. It's nice. I am so thankful our car has AC! 

This past week we found 2 new investigators! Lori was mowing her lawn when we saw her so we awkwardly waited for her to finish while she pretended we weren't there. Once she started talking to us though she really opened up and is excited to read the Book of Mormon! 

Edna's son, Don, is an active member of our ward. She is in her 80s. (Apparently we just love the old people haha). She has peacocks too! We taught her the entire first lesson. I felt the spirit. Afterwards she just looks at us and says I don't want to be forced into joining a church. YIKES. I then felt inspired to talk with her about the Atonement and finding peace. She softened and wants us to come back! 

So all in all we had a great week! I am excited to see what this next week brings! 

LOVE YOU ALL

Sista T

pizza on a p-day in canada shirts! 

sister meeting

peacocks

May 26

This week it's going to be a short one because we are going on a hike
as a zone! We're hiking mt. garfield today and I think I might die so
pray for me. The good thing though is that I am feeling a little
better. Woot!
This week I spent quite a bit of time inside trying to feel better.
But of course, we still saw miracles! I didn't see many of our
investigators this week but I got to spend time in the 7th and 6th
wards! They are both great (but not as great as 9th ward!).
On Saturday I went on an exchange with the delightful Sister Hancock!
She's 4'11. She is so adorable and loves being from Texas! We saw the
best less-active family named the Roofes who hadn't been to church
since they were both baptized in their childhood. I felt the sweetest
spirit in their home. And then on Sunday I saw them come to church!
Sister Hancock is so determined to always be doing and it really
helped motivate me to be a better missionary (because sometimes I am
lazy...)
I am having a really hard time remembering what happened this week
(probably because not a lot did...) but just know that I love being a
missionary! Transfer calls will be happening this week. Both Sister
Tew and I wish will all of our hearts that we will both stay but we
both kind of feel this is the end. It's crazy how much I grow to love
my companions. Sister Tew is the best! She is so funny and hilarious
and says the best things. Plus she loves her family so much so I feel
like I already know all about them and I love them too! Plus her
family is moving from Hawaii to Idaho this month so I can even visit
them!
We had an amazing sister conference this week! We had a panel of 5
converts whom we asked questions to. The spirit was amazing and they
said some of the best things to remind us just how imperative this
work is! As the councilor from the mission presidency, President
Atkinson, left he said, "What a sacred day!" He's the best! Some of
what they said was, "Don't give up until the miracle happens." "It
felt like coming home." "It's best when missionaries speak from the
heart and let the chips fall where they may."
It was interesting to note that all of them wanted to keep
commitments. They were excited about being accountable. My favorite
part was we asked what their major concerns were. Chris, who was
baptized just a month ago and is in a wheelchair, said his only
concern was stairs! hahaha. And then President Atkinson says, "The
true church has ramps!" It was the best moment!
This week I am so excited to have nothing stopping us from being the
best missionaries we can possibly be! We have a lot of progressing
investigators and less-actives. I know that the most important thing
is to have the spirit so therefore the most important thing I can do
is to be obedient!

I hope you have the best week ever!

Love,
Sista T

June 30

This week in pictures!

EXCITED AFTER DAVID'S BAPTISM

Fixing lawn mowers in collbran

David and Aimee got married! This is from last week! 

oh hey look me and my comp like to go walking! 

And yes we got Canadian shirts and we have never been happier!

oh hey look me and my comp like to go walking! 

June 23

What a week this has been! Golly. 

First off, on Monday night we had FHE with Erin, our investigator, at the Fierro's home. They put so much work into it and Erin's children had so much fun and the spirit was there. However, I could tell that something was off with Erin. As we got ready to leave, she shared with us that her mother in law wants her to have a big wedding. She and her fiance can't afford that right now. Erin wants nothing more than to be baptized. She is simply the most prepared person I have ever met. The look on her face when she told us she probably wouldn't be able to be baptized in July has changed me forever. It was in that moment that it all became real. We talked with her and she decided to pray for a miracle. We are also going to fast that she will be able to be baptized July 19th. That moment changed my mission forever. Right then and there I committed to do EVERYTHING I can to help her have success and endure to the end, not just be baptized. She is a daughter of God and He wants her to return to Him and it is my privilege to be able to help. 

I've been really trying to reconvert to my purpose and remember every single day why I am here and why I am doing all this. Our district meeting this week really helped. Elder Smelcer gave a great training on that exact subject that helped me recognize what I need to change. Sometimes I get a little overexcited about raising my righteous family in the future and I have a hard time focusing on the here and now. So I am trying everyday to recognize the ways I can become a better future mom to help me focus on each day. 

Another miracle this week has been working hard and seeing miracles. Sister Rodriguez is an AMAZING person with so much faith and determination. We have been focusing on planning more effectively and we have the spirit with us more strongly in lessons because we have more members!

Unfortunately Sister Rodriguez got sick on Friday so our weekend was spent mainly trying to recover. She has been struggling with her sister having cancer and feeling guilty about her past mistakes. She is healing and learning how to rely on Christ and I pray I can help her in some way because she is so incredible. 

This week I really want to work on the attribute of charity. I don't have much of a problem loving all the people on the street but I find myself more often than not judging other missionaries. I want to see them as God sees them. And I want to remember this week that we all come from different places. I just want to love unconditionally! 

On Thursday of this week we decided to fast to help Erin and for some concerns and questions we had. I received direct answers to my prayers. Never before have I had the relationship that I have now with my Father in Heaven. I love learning each day more about how He communicates with me through the spirit. I've been struggling a bit with who I am and having confidence in myself as a daughter of God. Through fasting and prayer I received the answer that I needed a priesthood blessing. The blessing was truly evidence that God knows me perfectly. All of my concerns were addressed. And I was able to learn how I can not just endure my mission but enjoy it too. 

As I sat in sacrament meeting yesterday, I wasn't feeling the usual rush of the spirit that I do. Just as I thought that, the speaker mentioned that we all have "mountains to climb". The spirit hit me like a ton of bricks (in the best way) and I distinctly felt like mountains were coming my way. I am not scared because I knew that if I rely on Christ I will get through them. It will be an opportunity to grow. I am so grateful for all of your support and love and the privilege that it is to serve a mission!

One of my mission pals had this really great quote so I thought I'd share it. 

"Many young women are serving missions. Many are preparing to serve, not because they aren't married or have nothing else to do; but because they have a desire to serve and therefore are being called to the work. The reason so many are going is because in the next generation, Heavenly Father will be sending His Priesthood Army to the earth and wants to send them to mothers who have been properly trained and taught in the gospel. What better training can a young woman have than that of serving a mission?" Pres Hinckley 

I've also been reading the GC Ensign and I love President Monson! He always has the best poems and quotes. These are my favorites.

 "I have wept in the night for the shortness of sight that to somebody's need made me blind; But I never have yet felt a tinge of regret for being a little too kind." -Unknown

"Of all sad words of  tongue or pen, the saddest are these: What might have been!" -John Greenleaf Whittier

"Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today but  the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime." -Dale Carnegie

"Just be the same person you are in the dark that you are in the light." -Jabari Parker's dad (haha)

I have a weekly email from sis rod that I forward to you as well since this one was kind of random feeling like things! 

I LOVE YOU ALLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We taught Lexis the plan of salvation with sidewalk chalk! 

comp study outside at the church in between coordination meeting and sacrament.

We taught Lexis the plan of salvation with sidewalk chalk! 

June 16

What a fabulous week this has been! 

Monday

We had a fabulous p-day! We did the usual (email, groceries, laundry, cleaning) and also had a district lunch at Dos Hombres, a really classy Mexican place here in GJ. Afterwards we headed to the mall for some shopping. It was Sister Remington's birthday. Since she was both mine and Sister Rodriguez's first companion we met up with her. I found 97 cent shoes at Old Navy that made my day. Monday night we ate with our Ward Mission Leader. He has so many chickens (frightening) and wear overalls around his house. We just love him. One of my favorite moments of the transfer so far was after a lesson with our investigator Kim (who is about 50) when we were leaving her house. Brother Beynon came with us and as we walked he says, "You have a nice lawn, little girl." Sister Rod and I always quote him. It was, I think, the funniest thing he has ever said. Sis Rod and I laugh at everything though, so it may not have been that funny. Monday night we taught Erin. She is so amazing! The spirit in her home is almost tangible. She knows it is true and more than that, she loves it! The gospel really makes her happy! One of my favorite things she has said is, "I've found a little piece of happiness and I'm never letting it go." It made me so happy that she is happy. We also met with the Berries. They are coming to church a lot more regularly and Brother Berrie just got a calling this last Sunday! 

Tuesday

We were both really sick Tuesday morning. We've both been trying to get over colds and I think we are finally doing it! We both couldn't function so we slept a bit. I slept til 8 AM and then my conscience took over so I had to get up and study. Sis Rod slept until 2 (clearly she was a little more sick than me). When we did get out and about we had an amazing time! We saw Kim with Bro Beynon (see lawn story above). She wants to change but doesn't believe that she can. I just wish she could see herslef the way that God does. We also saw Pam and Lily (who had the birthday party last week) and ate ice cream for dinner. Usually this ward is amazing at feeding us but for some reason the last 2 weeks have been slim pickin's. That's okay because we have more bonding time as comps and we get to be creative about our meals when we are bored! Luckily, Graff's Dairy here in town gives free ice cream to missionaries! And I swear I really am trying to break the stereotype of every missionary that goes to the US being a lot heavier when they get home...We also taught Milt and Patty with Brother And Sister Lewis. Patty agreed to pray about a baptismal date! Woot! She is so sweet! Also fun  fact, Milt was baptized in the Milk River in Montana! I about died when he said that! Bonding! 

Wednesday

We went to Collbran! I also got the best package ever with Eatmores in it! Looks like I'm going to have to do some more hiking! In Collbran, we saw the Schowalters. Bro S is a member but his wife is not. She has met with missionaries for probably 20 years off and on. She admitted she had never actually read the Book of Mormon with a serious attitude but committed this time to do it! Miracles! One of my favorite parts about being in Collbran is being able to do the farmer wave to all the people driving and they do it back! 

Thursday

We had a zone meeting! One of my ZL's is an Elder I came out with so that's pretty fun. We were divided into groups and had to make cookies without a recipe. I randomly just felt like I knew what we needed to put in and my team trusted me so we went for it and ours were the best! It was to teach us that we need the recipe to be a good missionary and not just the best intentions. It's all about learning the skillz. I love meetings because they remind me of the missionary that I want to become. We had our primary president lined up to come to Erin's with us but Erin had to cancel because she wasn't feeling well. So instead we asked Sis Rice (the president) if she had anyone she wanted to visit and she did! Because of her we met an amazing part member/less-active family to teach! The Jankes! He said he has been investigating the church for about 20 years and feels like he is about ready to be baptized! Without Sis Rice we never would have found them! We also saw our investigator Tonia this day with Sister Sorenson. Tonia is very quiet and reserved but shared with actually opened to us this visit! It's a lot easier to teach someone when you know who they are. 

Friday

SISTER RODRIGUEZ TURNED 22 THIS DAY! Woot! We had a day of celebration. We sang a little bit tooooo much Taylor Swift (as we are now both 22) Yay for having a companion as old as me! We ate french toast for breakfast, I made cupcakes, we wore party hats all day long, her parents sent her flowers, we ate lunch with the 6th sisters and jumped on their trampoline, and I sang to her about 40,000 times. My old comp, Sister Tew, even stopped by too! She's the best and it was so fun to see her again! Plus she is darling! Later we had a meeting with Bro B and the Elders in his backyard with all his chickens...Bro B was wearing his farmer outfit. It was too good. Plus he gave Sis Rod a tour of his garden for her birthday. We also met Jessica Hemmer,  who the elders referred us too. She is amazing and is prepared and we have a return appt. She's a young single mom of 3 and I'm so excited to meet with her!

Saturday

We weeded the Cross' yard for 2 hours and bonded over Even Stevens. Yet another reason why I love Sis Rod. We also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity. We knocked some doors, chased down a mexican man named Fernando, and contacted referrals. Though not much came of it, I know the Lord will bless this area for our efforts. We taught Milt and Patty again and they were wearing the best cowboy outfits I have ever seen. Something I have been dealing with my entire mission, is my insecurities in who I am. Each day I am learning more and more that because I am a daughter of God I can do hard things. Even if I am awkward or I make bad choices, He will still love me. The Atonement really does allow me every day to become better than I was before. I love knowing that and I love learning how to love myself more fully so that I can love others! 

Sunday

I played the organ and accompanied the YW's musical number. They hadn't practiced much but it turned out really well. The YW got to share testimonies in Sacrament about Girl's camp and it sure brought back some great memories from my youth (like stealing cakes and putting mustard in Jayna's sleeping bag, and making up nick names for everyone and their dog). Sis Rod also got to share her testimony. She sure is great! She is one of the least judgmental people that I know. And plus she laughs at all my jokes. Our Sunday School class is a gong show. It is full of the most random people and they make some pretty hilraious comments. Plus our ward mission leader's wife teaches it and she has a crazy almost grover like voice when she gets excited! It's the best! Plus the Elders investigator came with his 8 day old baby!  He was tiny, adorable, and frightening at the same time. Both Sis Rod and I agree that newborns are cute from a distance haha. We're just grateful that we are missionaries and that that is far far FAR in our futures. Sadly for dinner after church, we had a meal that made us both feel pretty sick but we powered through it. At 7 we taught Brandi a less-active. For the first time I felt like we really taught her and not just a lesson. She opened up and shared her real concerns. We also taught the Collins. We had a great lesson with them too. My favorite thing was seeing the change in Sister Collins. When we got there she was a little unhappy but when we left she was cheerful and excited! The gospel changes people. I am so thankful for all that I have been given and for the great week I have had. I am so blessed to be a missionary right now because these experiences are changing me. I know my Saviour better now than I ever have before and the best part is that I still have a lot to learn! 

I hope you all have the best week ever!

Love,

Sista T

birthday trampoline jumping!

Patty in her cowgirl get up. I am a giant.

birthday trampoline jumping!

June 9

Hola mi familia!!!!!

What a fabulous this week has been. Also I think it may have been the fastest one on my mission! 

So in big news, my new companion is Sister Rodriguez from Reno, Nevada! (Don't worry I've been quoting the muppet movie to her all the time...R E N O that spells RENO. She may or may not hate me already...haha). She is the cutest! And she has darling clothes (heck ya!). We've already been sharing clothes all week. She's served in Denver the 9 months she has so far on her mission so I'm pretty excited that she is here. Grand Junction is mighty different from Denver but she's adjusting like a champion. I honestly only have good things to say about her. She is a rockstar! Plus we are opposites in about everything looks wise. 

Sister Tew went to Glenwood Springs so she's not even that far away and plus she is serving as a spanish missionary again! She's so excited! I was a little stressed about taking over the area but I know that if I trust in God and do everything I can, it will all work out! 

We also got a new Elder in our ward as Elder Koyle went home from his mission...and the new Elder is Elder Merrill. So I am now serving with 2 Elder Merrills. I cannot get over it and I think it is the funniest thing that has ever happened to me. I randomly bust up laughing during the day when I think about it. We tend to refer to them as "The Merrills."

This week has been incredible! I have never felt so good as a missionary. I know it is because we have been so obedient. I LOVE BEING OBEDIENT! We have been workin our bums off and I love it so much! I love the feeling when I lay down at night and I know I have done everything I possibly can to hasten the work. We have an investigator on date to be baptized named Erin. She is 25, has 3 little girls and a boyfriend. They live together and the only thing holding them back from getting married was finances. We have been praying since we met Erin that Kyle (her boyfriend) would get a better job. As we met with her the other day she shared the INCREDIBLE news that the Lord has answered all of our prayers. I am so glad Erin was able to have such a faith building experience before her baptism so she can even more understand how incredible God is. It is SO exciting! Her baptismal date is July 19th because her oldest daughter turns 8 July 18th so they will be baptized together! Adorable right? Plus she always come to church and loves learning about the gospel. I am so privileged to be able to share in her journey.

In Milt and Patty news.... THEY FINALLY STAYED FOR ALL 3 HOURS OF CHURCH! HALLELUJAH! Patty is still trying to determine what she thinks of the Book of Mormon. I am so grateful to have such a great ward where she can feel the spirit. 

We got a call from Sister Murdock the other day saying she was in Grand Junction and wanted to see us! Sis Rodriguez had been staying at the mission home for the last 2 weeks because her companion went home last transfer unexpectedly so they are really close. I was so happy I could witness their joyous reunion. Sister Murdock is hilarious and so opinionated. I sure can feel how much she loves us every time we see her! Also her daughter 22 year old daughter who has some disabilities was with her. She told us the BEST story. As they were checking in to the hotel, Sister Murdock, being the amazing missionary that she is, started to talk to the clerk about the church. He said it really wasn't for him. To which she replied, "Peace, joy, and happiness aren't for you?" Then her daughter walks up and basically yells at him, "The gospel doesn't make me peaceful, joyful, or happy." Sister Murdock said that she basically undoes all the missionary work she tries to do haha. I love Sis Murdock for patience and love! 

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY! 

Thanks for all your love and support! You are the best! I hope you have the best week ever! 

Love,

Sista T

we went to a less-actives granddaughter's 8th birthday. It was the cutest and they had a fashion show! Heck ya!